Another week, another data breach, this time targeting millions of Americans through their insurance provider.
According to CBS News, Aflac confirmed on June 20, 2025 that hackers broke into its systems on June 12, potentially exposing highly sensitive customer data.
The insurer described the attackers as a “sophisticated cybercrime group” that used social engineering tactics to access its U.S. network. While the company hasn’t disclosed how many customers were affected, the compromised data may include:
- Social Security numbers
- Health and claims information
- Other personal details
Aflac says it stopped the intrusion within hours and that ransomware was not involved. Business operations remain intact, but if you’re a customer, your data might already be on the dark web.
What to do if you’re an Aflac customer
According to CBS News, Aflac is investigating the breach and offering support to affected customers. But you don’t need to wait for a letter. Start protecting yourself today:
- Check your accounts immediately. Review your bank, credit card, and investment accounts for unusual activity. Fraudsters often start with small test charges before launching larger attacks.
- Freeze your credit. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place a free credit freeze. This blocks anyone from opening new credit in your name. You can temporarily lift the freeze when needed
- Set up a fraud alert. Ask one bureau to place a fraud alert—by law, it must notify the others. Creditors will need to verify your identity before issuing new accounts.
- Monitor your health benefits. Medical identity theft can be just as damaging as financial fraud. Watch for unfamiliar procedures or charges on your insurance statements.
- Strengthen your digital defenses. Don’t wait for another breach to boost your online security. Installing a tool like SurfShark (CleanWeb) adds extra protection with a VPN, antivirus, and ad blockers. It’s a simple step you can take to reduce your risk.
Don’t fall for a follow-up scam
Breaches often trigger phishing waves. Scammers know people are on edge and may pretend to be from Aflac or other institutions.
Be wary of any message that:
- Asks you to “verify” personal info
- Sends links to update security settings
- Urges immediate action to avoid account lockouts
If in doubt, don’t click — instead, call the number on your insurance card.
What Aflac is offering
CBS News reports that Aflac is offering affected customers:
- 24 months of free credit monitoring
- Identity theft protection
- A service called Medical Shield
To find out if you’re eligible and activate these services, call Aflac’s dedicated hotline at 1-855-361-0305. The center is open daily through the end of June. If your data is affected, this call gives you access to those free protections.
Document everything
If fraud occurs, detailed records will be crucial. Save all related emails, note phone calls with Aflac, and keep copies of any suspicious charges or disputes. This can help if class-action lawsuits arise or you need to prove damages.
Consumer protection laws vary by state, so your legal options may depend on where you live. If your losses are significant, consider consulting an attorney.
A larger industry threat
Aflac isn’t alone. According to CBS News, the breach was part of a broader campaign targeting the insurance sector.
Erie Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance Companies also reported cyberattacks this month.
Hackers are increasingly targeting insurers because they store the perfect mix of valuable data: financial details, health records, and Social Security numbers — all in one place.
Stay protected
You can’t prevent data breaches, but you can make yourself a harder target.
Use strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication. Review your credit regularly. And don’t rely solely on companies to notify you or assist you after the fact.
Taking simple steps now could save you months of stress later.
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